Another question- sorry.

Hi' again,
I was told by the eye doctor that I had a scratch on my cornea. He asked me
if I had an accident, but I don't remember ever having an accident to do
with my eye. I asked him could I have done it by rubbing my eye or sometimes
I have had an eyelash or a bit of dirt or something like that. He said no.
So, does that mean that I will never have clear vision?. This doctor is a
man of few words, and I feel a little bit intimidated, although he is very
nice.It's just me.
Thanks again,
Joan.

 

There is a difference between a "scratch" and a "scar" on the cornea. A
superficial scratch heals quickly without a trace. A deeper scratch can
leave a scar, and a scar can impede vision if it is in the wrong place.
Perhaps you can share your age with us, and whether you have a cataract in
the other eye. It is possible that you have suffered what is known as a
traumatic cataract induced by the same trauma which caused the corneal
scar. If you presented with a cataract and a central corneal scar, this
creates a complex situation in which the final outcome is difficult to
predict. It is possible to "estimate" the results of cataract surgery, but
until the cataract is actually removed it may be difficult to judge the
relative contribution of the scar.

Of course, if you are in your seventh or eight decade of life, then an age-
related cataract is to be expected.

Also, I don't buy your excuse that your doctor is intimidating. Perhaps
you are being too timid. He has assistants, and doctor/patient
communication is vital. The internet should never be used as a substitute
for actual communication with your doctor.

DrG

 

Dear Dr.G
Thank you so much for all that information. I feel much better now. However,
I did use the wrong word with regard to the cornea, it is a "scar" not a
scratch. Actually, it is 3 weeks today since I had the eye operation, and I
am quite pleased so far although the doctor did tell me in the beginning
that I would still need my multifocals after. I was a little disappointed,
however, the vision in my left eye was almost nil until I had the surgery.
Now, when I take my glasses off and cover my right eye there is a amazing
improvement, albeit a little cloudiness still.
I am 68 years old. I have a cataract in the right eye however the doctor did
not seem in a hurry to do anything about that.I would however love to have
that one done too. He told me not be impatient. The lens in my glasses for
that right eye is very strong and that's why I feel "off balance" for want
of a better word when I took the lens out of the left one.(since put it
back)
I have been using my computer a lot lately just using my right eye, and I
imagine that has contributed to the eye strain I feel. I don't feel that I
should drive yet and I'm bored silly, so turned to my computer.
I do know that the internet is not a substitute for communication with my
doctor but, I was directed to this newsgroup because I wanted some
reassurance from others who may have had the same experience. Also, the
doctor's staff never put me through to him with my concerns, so I have to
wait until the 14th December.
My right eye was so tired yesterday that I took the cover off the left lens,
now my question is "will I damage my left eye that has been operated on if
I look through the old prescription lens?". I have asked the
ophthalmologist's staff and was told "probably not" so can you understand
why I am confused and why I turned to this group for some reassurance.
Maybe I was too timid when I was being measured for the lens and then the
follow up appointment. I was more anxious than anything, and I should have
been more assertive. I will be on the 14th. However, in the meantime would
you please tell me if I am doing any damage by looking though my old lens.
Sorry for the long post.
I really appreciate your advice.
Many thanks,
Joan.

 

Dear Joan,

No, you will not damage your eye by looking through the old lens. It will
simply blur things seen through that eye. Do what makes you feel
comfortable until your new glasses arrive.

DrG

 

Thank you very much for your help,
much appreciated.
Joan